Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook was not too pleased after his team lost to the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Some of his anger could have been directed at the fact the Thunder blew another double digit lead over the Rockets. But it might be the fact that the media has painted the MVP candidate as the team’s savior and the rest as replaceable disciples. It can be seen in an exchange he had with a reporter after the game. While Westbrook and Steven Adams were at the podium, a reporter asked Adams about whether or not the Rockets got an “energy boost” whenever Westbrook goes to the bench. The Brodie decided to intervene in the question.

“I don’t want nobody to try to split us up. We all one team. Reagrdless if I go to the bench or I’m and Steven’s on the floor and I’m off the floor ; we in this together. Don’t split us up; don’t try to make us go against each other, try to make it Russell and the rest of the guys or Russell against Houston; I don’t want to hear that. We’re in this together. We play as a team and that’s all that matters. That’s it.”

The reporter tried to continue to push the question forward but Westbrook responded with “Next question.”

Ironically, the ineffectiveness that Westbrook’s teammates have shown in these past few games, is the main reason why he is considered a lockdown candidate for MVP. When he leaves the game, usually around the ending of the 3rd quarter, the Rockets tend to cut the lead down. Sunday in Game 4, Houston was facing a 14 point lead in the middle of the 3rd quarter but was able to cut down to single digits, while Westbrook was taking a breather.

The response he gave to that media member today probably had nothing to with frustration of hearing the same criticism; perhaps he was sending a message to his teammates. Fans recognize that this is not the same Western Conference Finaks team from last season and that is why they have bestowed the public opinion MVP on Russ, not only for his triple doubles, but for having a skillset that is propelling a team farther than most thought they would.

About The Author

Brandonis a contributing writer for BOSS Sports and originally from Houston, Texas. He has a Master's in New Media from Texas State University with extensive blogging and social media experience. You can check out more of his writings on his website www.brandonsimmons.biz